Langtang Valley Trek - 12 Days

Langtang is a slender valley nestled between the mighty Langtang Lirung (7234 m) to the north and a massif of Gang Chhenpo (6388 m), Naya Kangri (5857 m) and Dorje Lakpa (6966 m) to the south and east respectively. Only a few hours’ drive from Kathmandu, this secluded region is mainly dwelt by the people of Tamang community. The customs, culture and costume of the Tamangs very often give you the reminiscence of Tibet.

The Langtang Valley Trek caters you the opportunity to explore the culture and nature at an incredibly low elevation. The trip begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Syarbubesi followed by a comfy ambulation on the trails through rhododendron bushes, bamboo bunches and crystal clear waterfalls, embellished with a fantabulous backdrop of snowcapped peaks. It’s a mere 12 day’s journey which takes you through some of the most fascinating yet very gettable landscapes of Nepal, simultaneously providing you the opportunity to experience a tint of Tibetan way of life. We continue this seemingly leisurely walk through the serene valley encountering human settlements here and there until we reach the terminating point of our trek, the Kyanjin Gompa, from where you could head off for some of the finest excursions to Kyangjin Ri (4773 m), Sergo Ri (4984m), Yala Cheese Factory (4633 m) etc. From here, a continuation to the pasture of Langsisa (4084 m) provides a good view of many glaciers. Traveling a short distance towards the east from Kyangjin, gets you to a STOL airstrip at Chhaldang.

This is a perfect trip for those looking for a short nature trail in the proximity of Kathmandu valley, offering an undercurrent of walking in the Tibetan highlands!

Important Snippets

The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Once you land at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu and accomplish your entry/visa formalities, you will be received by a representative from Marron Treks and transferred to the hotel. Welcome drinks will be served at the hotel after which we will have a quick pre-trip meeting and discuss the itineraries. You can then take your time to relax, unpack and spend the time as you wish. In the evening, stroll around the nearby places and get the feel of this energetic city. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 02:Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)

After breakfast, hop in to our transport vehicle and head off for a guided tour to the renowned historical and cultural landmarks of Kathmandu. You will be visiting the sites like - Pashupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square and the Boudhanath (the Maha Stupa). All these sites have been listed in the UNESCO world cultural heritage list. After this entertaining and informative tour, drive back to the hotel. You can spend the rest of the time as you wish or probably preparing for the next day’s drive to Syabrubesi. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1460m/8 - 9 hrs)

After breakfast, we drive to Syabrubesi, first along the crowded streets of Kathmandu and then later through the bumpy and dusty, single lane road tucked at the base of north western hills. As we move ahead, the terraced farms and orthodox villages whip past us. We’ll halt for lunch at Trishuli Bazaar. We then resume our drive to Dhunche, a headquarter of Rasuwa district, from where we take a descent to finally arrive at Syabrubesi. Well, to be honest, you might not enjoy the road conditions and could shake off at times, but yes, the views of mountains, the lush green terraced farms and stone house clusters alongside, could easily cheer you up, diverting your attention away from the rustic roads. Overnight at teahouse in Syabrubesi; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 04: Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2420m/5 - 6 hours)

The real trek begins today. All jacked up, we commence our trek along a flat route, passing through the Langtang National Park. On the way, we come across a police check point. We show our permit there and then continue along a downhill route for about 10 minutes crossing a suspension bridge. We advance further following the Langtang river and pass through a jungle. On the way we might catch quick glimpses of different species of monkeys. We now cross one more suspension bridge and arrive at a place called Dobang (1672 m), where we can relish the view of a waterfall. Trailing ahead along the steep route to a rocky ridge for about 2o minutes, we pursue a flat track to Pahare Hotel and then to Bamboo Hotel, where we halt for lunch. We continue our move making an ascent to the route alongside the north bank of Langtang Khola (river) and further make a steep climb to the landslide, which gets us to a place called Rimche. A 20 minutes ascent from here, brings us to Changtang, popularly known as Lama Hotel. Overnight at teahouse in Lama Hotel; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 05: Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang (3430m / 5 - 6 hrs)

We are on the fourth day. Let’s begin our trek with a gentle climb which becomes steeper and steeper through the wild forests of hemlocks, oaks, maples and rhododendrons, high above the Langtang River. You can’t help glaring at the majestic Langtang Lirung (7,234 m) through the trees. We now cross a stream and further ascend to a pass marked with prayer flags. Crossing the Bailey bridge over another stream, we arrive at our lunch spot, the Ghora Tabela (2972 m), which is currently a Nepal Army and a National Park check post. By now, will have walked for almost 3 hrs. After lunch, we ascend further across the helipad, yak pastures and rhododendron bushes, which gets us to Thangshyap (3140 m). Continuing our climb ahead, we trail up the hillside above the potato, barley and buckwheat fields. We pass by few restaurants and guesthouses through the Ghumba village. We are now just about 15 minutes away from Langtang village. Briskly, we cross a stream and climb past several water-driven mills and prayer wheels, finally arriving at the settlement of Langtang. Overnight at teahouse in Langtang; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 06: Trek from Langtang to Kyangjin Gompa (3870m / 3 - 4 hrs)

Enjoy the sip of your morning tea and then gear up for a scenic trek! We trail through the village and climb a ridge top to a large chorten. Continuing our ascent past the splendid Mani walls (the largest in Nepal), we cross a stream and arrive at a village of Mundu (3442 m). We now trail alongside the river beside the pasture of Yamphu (3640 m). Crossing a concrete bridge, we climb a moraine and get our first glimpse of the Kyangjin Gompa and a magnificent icefall of Langtang Lirung. Overnight at teahouse in Kyangjin Gompa; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Rest does not mean being absolutely static. We have anchored ourselves at one of the most scenic locations of the trek, so let’s make the most of it. We can go for a short hike to Ngegang, a yak pasture at an altitude of 4000m. Ngegang is sometimes referred as Base Camp, in reference to Naya Kang (5744 m) trekking peak nearby. Exploring the Kyangjin Gompa is also not a bad idea. If you still have the appetite for more, we can go for another hike to the Yala Cheese Factory (4633 m). Walking up a moraine, we will be able the relish the icefalls and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung. Overnight at teahouse in Kyangjin Gompa; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 08: Trek from Kyangjin Gompa to Lama Hotel (2420m/5 - 6 hrs)

Most of our way back to the Lama Hotel is downhill, so shouldn’t be that exhausting! We reverse our journey of day 5 and 4 trailing alongside the Langtang River, passing through the village of Mundu, Langtang and then arriving at the Ghora Tabela. Lunching and resting here for a while, we take another steep descent to the Lama Hotel. The walk is pleasant as it downhill and more importantly embellished with Mani walls, chortens, pastures and rhododendron clusters. And of course, you can’t help wooing at the beauty of Langtang Lirung, everytime you see it through the trees. Overnight at teahouse in Lama Hotel; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 09: Trek from Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru (2250m / 5 - 6 hrs)

In the inception, the trail descends to Piaro (1800 m), but in order to get to Thulo Syabru, we need to take a steep ascent. Let’s begin our trek walking along a flat route for about 15 – 20 minutes. We continue walking through the rhododendron clusters and pine trees. Crossing the bridge over Langtang River, we arrive at “Bamboo (1930 m)”, a collection of hotels and lodges. This region is known for its colorful woolen socks and belts. From here, descend through the forest to Pairo. We now take a steep uphill route over a rocky ridge and finally get to Thulo Syabru. In the forest, at Thulo Syabru, we might get a chance to spot on some wild lives like – yellow throated martens, wild boars, langur monkeys, red pandas and even Himalayan black bears. You can also relish the mountainous vistas of Ganesh Himal, Paldor Peak, Paldor East, Langtang East and many other peaks across the border of Tibet. Overnight at teahouse in Thulo Syabru; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 10: Trek from Thulo Syabru to Dhunche (1960m / 5 - 6 hrs)

Last bit of our walk at the Langtang region! After a recharging breakfast, we are all set to wrap up this trek. Take a steep climb through the pine, oak and rhododendron forests to a ridge-top. From here, we embark on a relieving descent to Barbal. Then we walk flat for about 2 hours until we connect to the route to Dhunche. Traling ahead, we finally arrive at Dhunce in about 5-6 hours. Dhunche is the headquarter of Rasuwa district and it houses all the government offices. There are plenty of shops and also a Buddhist monastery worth exploring. Overnight at teahouse in Dhunche; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11: Drive from Dhunche to Kathmandu(1400m/7- 8 hrs)

Jerking along the bumpy roads of Rasuwa, yet enthusiastically witnessing the soothing foothills and ridgeline vistas, we drive back to Kathmandu. Soon we will be a part of the hullabaloo of charismatic Kathmandu. Check in to your hotel and take your time to relax. Probably, the first thing you would want to do is rest for some time and recall the long walks you had on some of the most unique terrains. You can also head to Thamel for some souvenir shopping. After all, your friends and relatives back home expect something more from you than just your interesting trip anecdotes. In the evening, Marron Treks will host a farewell dinner program, featuring a range of traditional Nepali cuisines and a live cultural show. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.

Day 12: Final departure to your homeland

A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport, three hours prior to your flight schedule. As you wave us good bye and enter the terminal block, you would perhaps recall your arrival at this place. No wonder everything seems so familiar now because, you had come here as tourist, but you are going back as a friend! Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your travel companion in Nepal again! Trips can always be extended. You can try out some of our other exciting packages like Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Important Snippets

The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.

During the trek, you will be accommodated in a Tea House/ Lodge or Trekking Inn. Most of these lodges and teahouses cater good services and are equipped with modern amenities. We will endeavor to provide you the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.

Meals

We never compromise with the quality of food and the health of the trekkers as well as the crew members. Generally, we opt for the fresh and nutritional local community food available in the Langtang Region You could make your delicious pick from an array of traditional food. This way, you could not only get the real sense of the local culture and life patterns but also contribute to promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Besides, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads, Masala Curry etc. are also available in the restaurants for your retreat.

Porter and Staff Care

When it comes to high altitude trekking, porters and staff members make up a pivot. Marron Treks ensures that all the porters and staff members going to high altitude conditions, are provided with adequate clothing and equipments.

Best Months

The month of January-June & September-December are considered to be the best for Langtang Valley Trek.

Any Experienced required?

For Langtang Valley Trek no former experience required. Physical fitness is the only key to accomplish this trek.

Our Guides

Guides play a very active role during the trek. Marron Treks has experienced and helpful treking guides who make your trip enjoyable as well as productive. Our guides are literate, multilingual speakers, environment conscious and well acquainted to culture, language, location and every single detail pertaining to the Langtang Region . This would help our trekkers make the most of their trip.

Travel Insurance

It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both medical and evacuation costs. In some places it is not necessary but it would be better if you have the travel insurance with you all the time. That would make your trip safe and hassle free.

Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days costs US $ 25 or equivalent foreign currency, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days costs US $40 and $ 100 respectively. You will need a valid passport and 2 copies of your recent PP sized photos).

Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies like (but not limited to) natural calamities, accidents, illness, thefts, damages etc.

Garbage deposit fees (refundable).

Any other expenses not mentioned in the 'Cost Includes' section above.

TREKKING GEARS & EQUIPMENTS

Needless to say that kitting and stuffing yourself out for a trek is almost a herculean task which keeps you mulling and often gets you overwhelmed. But at the mercy of the renting outlets sprouting in every visible corner in Kathmandu, preparing for trekking in Nepal these days is almost tantamount to equipping yourself for a weekend backpacking trip. Most of the heavy and expensive items are easily available on rent, so you don’t actually have to travel Nepal with a cartload of gears. We have endeavored to formulate a categorical checklist that gives you a tentative idea regarding the gears and accessories mandatory for you during the trek. The list could vary depending upon the kind of trek you pursue, the terrain, weather conditions and time of the year. For instance, you don’t need the camp-trek equipments when you are on a tea-house trek. This listing below simply serves as a guideline and you can always have your own checklist. It is always preferable to pack light and the key to this is to carry the gears and accessories that have multidimensional uses.

CLOTHING (Core & Lower body)

Water-proof (breathable fabric) jacket, Poncho or Umbrella

Hard shell pants (breathable fabric- 1 set), preferably that zips from top and bottom which can be worn over boots without getting undressed, in case of abrupt weather changes

Duffle bag (will be provided by Marron Treks as a complimentary gear and you needn't return it )

Pack cover (to protect your gears from getting wet)

Day sack/Nylon stuff sack

Sleeping Bag/ Silk liner (will be provided by Marron Treks but should be returned after the trip)

Water bottle

Good head torch along with spare batteries and bulbs

Maps, compass and a guide book

Trekking poles

Miscellaneous Bits

The items below could seem trivial, but if you don’t have them, you might just find

yourself sticky and stinky, which isn’t actually good for you!

Toiletries

Quick-drying camp towel

Detergent powder/bar

Toilet paper

Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 20+) & Lip balm

Pocket knife

Sewing/Repair Kit (for tent & mattress)

Emergency kit including a whistle, waterproof match/lighter

Padlocks for bags and lodge rooms

Stuff sacks

Earplugs

Candlesticks

Medicaments

It is important that you can include the medicines prescribed by your doctor. Below is just the generic list of medications. We advice you to always consult your travel doctor as you might be resistant or allergic to some medicines

Anesthetics (Ibuprofen/Aspirin)

Broad spectrum antibiotics tablets

Metronidazole and Antacids (for diarrohea /indigestion)

Broad spectrum ointments (Neosporin/ Clotrimazole/Gentamicin)

Antiseptic liquids (Dettol/Savlon)

Assorted band-aids

Small gauge pad

Roll of adhesive tape

Iodine tablets

Optional Carry

Nothing hard and fast about carrying the items in this list as they are not the basics. Yet, though not all, if you still manage to squeeze in some of these items on your carry, you will not regret as they might just come handy during the trek

Camera, memory card and battery charger

GPS unit Altimeters

Binoculars

Pee bottle for men (leak proof/wide mouth) & Pee funnel for women

Books and magazines

Departure Date

Marron Treks has calibrated fixed departure dates for all the trek packages. We operate group as well as individual/private treks. Please pick the most palpable date for you and book your trip now. If the dates below don’t fit your schedule, kindly contact us directly and let us know about your preference.

Trip Facts

Starting Price: USD XXXX (On request)

Group Size: 01 – 12 Pax

Trip Grade: Moderate

Accommodation: Camping/ Tea House

Transportation: Private car

Highest Elevation: Yala Cheese Factory (4633m)

Lowest Elevation: Kathmandu(1400m)

Average Walking Hours per Day: 6 Hours

Trek Commences From: Syabrubesi (1460m)

Trek Terminates At: Dhunche (1960m)

Best Months: Jan-Jun & Sep-Dec

Trip Highlights

Short and easy venture suitable even for the novice trekkers

Get acquainted to the immaculate side of Kathmandu city, exploring the most famed historical and cultural landmarks herein

A scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi relishing the views of towering Himalayas, verdant fields and an array of interesting hamlets